7 Patriotic Fourth of July Cocktails

Posted on Jun 28, 2013

You’ve got your grill at the ready and your fireworks on standby—but what about your Fourth of July Cocktails?

Just like hotdogs and hamburgers, Fourth of July Cocktails are an important part of any great Independence Day celebration. And what better to serve than a patriotic concoction inspired by a great American icon?

There are actually quite a few recipes to choose from, since our Founding Fathers (and Mothers) famously liked to imbibe. And that’s not to mention a host of other creations inspired by thoroughly American institutions.

So mix up one of these seven tipples and join us in toasting the Declaration of Independence. Cheers!

The President

No matter if you’re a Republican or a Democrat, you’ll like this historic rum, orange and grenadine tipple. This recipe is adapted from 1930’s The Savoy Cocktail Book by Harry Craddock, an American who left the US during Prohibition to practice his craft in London.

Roosevelt Cocktail

Although Teddy Roosevelt, 26th president, wasn’t much of a drinker, he did partake of the occasional Mint Julep. His cousin Franklin, however, did quite enjoy Martinis. Honor the whole family by fixing this creation, which Liquor.com advisory board member Simon Ford introduced us to. It includes dark rum, orange juice and dry vermouth.

Stars and Stripes

What’s more patriotic than a red, white and blue tipple? This blueberry, raspberry brandy and absinthe mixture may look light and fruity, but trust us: It packs a boozy kick. After a round or two, you may find yourself humming the national anthem.

Betsy Ross

This brandy- and port-based cocktail, which award-winning writer and Liquor.com advisory board member Gary Regan dug up, is named for the woman who supposedly stitched the county’s first 13-star flag in the 1700s. While the famous flag-maker most likely never sipped this concoction herself, we’re convinced she would have appreciated it.

Martha Washington Punch

All drinkers should raise a glass to George and Martha Washington. Not only did they help create this country, but George ran the largest rye whiskey distillery in the US after leaving office, and Martha created this delicious punch. (We can only imagine what the Founding Fathers discussed after knocking back a few cups of it.) Our recipe for it comes from all-star mixologist and Liquor.com advisory board member Willy Shine.

Lincoln Club Cooler

Another one of Simon Ford’s favorite patriotic cocktails is this simple presidential sipper adapted from George J. Kappeler’s 1895 book Modern American Drinks. The ginger ale and rum combo is an easy and fool-proof barbecue drink. It’s tall, sturdy and just what this country needs—not that dissimilar to its namesake, Honest Abe.

Wild Turkey Mint Tea

Where would we be today without Britain’s infamous tea taxation, which, of course, led to the Boston Tea Party and, eventually, our independence? With that in mind, we really couldn’t think of a more appropriate drink than this 100-percent-American bourbon-spiked black tea tipple. Cheers!